Tangerine

Chapter 17

Soundtrack: Iggy Pop - The Passenger (1977)

Dedication: Alex — When you said that you love the way that I write made, you me happy and motivated me to take my writing style into deeper consideration. Thanks so much for reading and even more for considering "Tangerine" as one of your favourite stories! That's so cool. Much love. x — Jen

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Everyone is drunk.

The place is decorated in green — green tinsel, green garland, green food and green beer. Neon lights embody the interior, cloaking the lively guests in an emerald haze and- did I say emerald? I meant to say green.

"How'd you find this one?" I ask Harry, gazing around the spacious home.

"Niall rented it," says Harry, drink in hand.

"'Course he did," I smile, taking a sip of my own.

"Are you digging the music?" Harry asks, pointing a finger up to the techno-like beats that boom from surrounding speakers, encouraging the partygoers to move their hips.

"I feel like I've time travelled into the future," I admit with a chuckle.

From the corner of my eye, I witness Louis stepping outside for a smoke. It's been a lingering thought in the back of my mind that I've been wanting to get a little high tonight, though I haven't got anything on myself. Now that I think of it, who better to ask than Louis?

"I'll be right back," I tell Harry. "I wanna see if Louis' got a toke. You're not usually one to light up, are you?"

"Not usually, no," Harry smirks, gently swirling his drink around.

"Thought so," I chuckle, kindly placing a hand on his muscular bicep. "I'll see you soon, Harry."

Harry winks. "See you when you're stoned."

I feel tipsy and light as I pass through the crowded living room, sliding open the patio doors towards the back. I step out into the garden; the cool evening breeze an immediate contrast from the warm bodies inside.

Louis is stood among the crowded patio with a guy around his age. The lad is a few inches shorter than Louis himself, with shorter, darker hair and they seem to be getting on quite well. I walk over to the pair, only to be pulled in by Louis right away.

"Scarlet, this is my best mate, Nathan," Louis introduces us with an arm around my shoulders. His public display of affection makes me feel giddy.

I share a cordial handshake with Louis' friend, though I question his title. "I thought Harry was your best mate, Lou."

Louis shares a laugh with the guy. "Nate and I've known each other since Donny; growing up and all. Harry's my closest mate, you could say."

"Nice to meet you, Nathan," I smile along, taking a small sip of my drink. "We're in Birmingham, though. Isn't Doncaster, like, an hour and a half north of here?"

"Yeah, I'm visiting family just over in Wolverhampton," Nathan tells me casually, "since it's a week before Easter holidays, y'know."

"Wolverhampton," I recall, "that's where Liam's from."

"Small world," Louis smiles, fond and calm.

"Wanna smoke a joint?" I ask Louis.

"So long as Nathan tells me what he thinks, now," Louis smirks suggestively.

"Of what?" Nathan asks.

"Of her..." Louis lets his arm slide from my shoulders to my waist. "How's she, lad?"